Dear Friends,

I write to share some important news with you.  Bishop Koenig has appointed me to serve as Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church, effective on June 24, 2026.  This is in addition to my responsibilities as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Wilmington.

For the past fifteen years, it has been one of the greatest blessings of my priesthood to serve as your pastor here at St. Thomas the Apostle. Together we have celebrated the sacraments, walked through moments of joy and sorrow, and grown as a community of faith.  I am deeply grateful for your faith, your kindness, and the many ways you have supported me and one another.

Transitions are never easy, especially when bonds have been formed over many years.  But our faith reminds us that the Church is always in the Lord’s hands.  He continues to guide and care for His people, and I have every confidence that He will continue to bless this parish abundantly in the days ahead.

I am also delighted to tell you that Father James Lentini has been appointed as the pastor of St. Thomas, also effective June 26.  Father Lentini is a good friend and seminary classmate and has been the pastor of Holy Cross Church in Dover for the past 12 years.  Additionally, Father Lentini has also been appointed as the pastor of St. Ann’s Parish, here in Wilmington.  Along with Father Eric Frimpong as his associate pastor, Father Lentini will cover the pastoral needs of both parishes.  Again, all of this is effective June 26.

I want to assure you that I remain fully your pastor in every sense until June 26. These next weeks are not a time of departure, but a time to continue our life together with gratitude, prayer, and trust in the Lord’s providence.

Please keep me in your prayers during this time of transition, as I will certainly keep all of you in mine.  St. Thomas the Apostle will always hold a special place in my heart.  I will have more to say at another time.

With gratitude and prayer,

Monsignor Hurley